27.6.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 224/1

Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case AT. 40735 – Online rail ticket distribution in Spain

(2023/C 224/01)

1. Introduction

(1)

According to Article 9 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty (1), the Commission may decide – in cases where it intends to adopt a decision requiring that an infringement is brought to an end and the parties concerned offer commitments to meet the concerns expressed to them by the Commission in its preliminary assessment – to make those commitments binding on the undertakings. Such a decision may be adopted for a specified period and shall conclude that there are no longer grounds for action by the Commission. According to Article 27(4) of the same Regulation, the Commission shall publish a concise summary of the case and the main content of the commitments. Interested parties may submit their observations within the time limit fixed by the Commission.

2. Summary of the Case

(2)

On 28 April 2023, the Commission initiated proceedings within the meaning of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EC) No 773/2004 of 7 April 2004 against Renfe-Operadora, E.P.E and Renfe Viajeros, S.M.E., S.A. (hereinafter referred together as ‘Renfe’) concerning an alleged infringement of Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’). On the same day, the Commission adopted a preliminary assessment within the meaning of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003.

(3)

The preliminary assessment sets out the Commission’s concerns that Renfe may have abused its dominant position by refusing to supply all its content and real-time data to third-party ticketing platforms (2) active in Spain. Content refers to all types of tickets, discounts and functionalities (e.g., possibility to process customers’ reimbursement claims). Real-time data refers to information related to passenger rail transport services operated by Renfe, and it can be pre-journey (e.g., platform number), on-journey (e.g., disruptions) or post-journey (e.g., information on delays that is needed to submit a compensation claim).

(4)

According to the preliminary assessment, Renfe is dominant (i) in the upstream market for the provision of passenger rail transport services in Spain, where Renfe operates as a passenger rail carrier, and (ii) in the downstream market for the online distribution of passenger rail tickets in Spain, where Renfe operates via Renfe’s website, Renfe’s apps and Renfe’s mobility platform ‘dōcō’. In this downstream market, Renfe competes with third-party ticketing platforms (i.e., online travel agencies or travel management companies).

(5)

In the preliminary assessment, the Commission considered that Renfe may have abused its dominant position, in breach of Article 102 of the Treaty, by refusing to grant to third-party ticketing platforms the requested access to the full content and real-time data that are available on Renfe’s own online distribution channels, which may have impeded their ability to create their own product, to innovate, and to exercise effective competition on the downstream market for online rail ticketing services in Spain.

3. The Main Content of the Offered Commitments

(6)

Renfe does not acknowledge any infringement to competition law and disagrees with the preliminary concerns raised by the Commission in the Preliminary Assessment, but has nevertheless offered commitments pursuant to Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, to meet the Commission’s competition concerns.

(7)

The key elements of the commitments offered by Renfe are as follows:

Renfe undertakes to make available for third-party ticketing platforms all the content and real-time data (3) that is available on the Effective Date (4) or that may become available on any of its own online channels, including its mobility platform dōcō, after the Effective Date. Renfe’s commitments would therefore be dynamic, and not limited to content or real-time data already provided by Renfe through its own online channels.

To implement the commitments, Renfe undertakes to make available for third-party ticketing platforms any Renfe content or real-time data available on Renfe’s own online channels and/or Renfe’s mobility platform (such as dōcō) on the Effective Date by, at the latest, 29 February 2024. As an exception, for the content or real-time data which requires launching a tender procedure to give access to third-party ticketing platforms, Renfe undertakes to give access to such content or real-time data at the latest by 30 June 2024; however (i) real time information on scheduled incidences affecting tickets that have already been sold will be available by 30 November 2024, and (ii) tickets for Luxury Tourist Trains and Leisure Tourist Trains will be available by 31 December 2024.

As regards Renfe content or real-time data that may become available to third-party ticketing platforms after the Effective Date, to allow third-party ticketing platforms to prepare their IT systems, Renfe commits to announce at the same time to third-party ticketing platforms and dōcō the inclusion of any new Renfe content or real time-data 4 months in advance, and will also communicate at the same time to both the technical specifications required to adapt their systems 1 month in advance until 31 December 2024 and 2 months in advance after 31 December 2024. The 1-month advance notice deadline is aimed at ensuring compliance with the commitments described in b) related to access to content and real-time data available on Renfe’s own online channels but not yet available on third-party ticketing platforms on the Effective Date. The 2-month deadline would apply to future content and real-time data (content and real-time data not available on Renfe’s own online channels on the Effective Date).

Renfe undertakes not to require from third-party ticketing platforms a maximum monthly average Look-to-Book ratio (‘L2B’) (5) lower than 140. The minimum value for the maximum monthly average L2B would be periodically reviewed and may be modified by the Commission in response to a request by Renfe. In justified cases, if a third-party ticketing platform exceeded the L2B ratio, Renfe may suspend the platform’s access to its IT system.

Renfe commits to a maximum Error Rate (6) of 14,23 %. That maximum value would be periodically reviewed and may be modified by the Commission in response to a request by Renfe. In the event of non-compliance with the maximum Error Rate, Renfe undertakes to make the necessary efforts to analyse the causes and implement the necessary technical measures to resolve them as soon as possible.

f)	Renfe commits to appoint a Monitoring Trustee that will monitor and report to the Commission on the implementation of the commitments for a period of ten years.

g)	Renfe commits to not in any way circumvent or attempt to circumvent the commitments directly or indirectly by any action or omission.

h)	The commitments shall remain in force for an indefinite period starting from the Effective Date.

(8)

The commitments are published in full in English on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition at:

https://ec.europa.eu/competition-policy/index_en

4. Invitation to make Comments

(9)

Subject to market testing, the Commission intends to adopt a decision under Article 9(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 declaring binding the commitments summarised above and published on the Internet, on the website of the Directorate-General for Competition, to be binding.

(10)

In accordance with Article 27(4) of Regulation 1/2003, the Commission invites interested third parties to submit their observations on the proposed commitments. These observations must reach the Commission not later than six weeks following the date of this publication. Interested third parties are also asked to submit a non-confidential version of their comments, in which any information they claim to be business secrets and other confidential information should be deleted and replaced as required by a non-confidential summary or by the words ’business secrets’ or ’confidential’.

(11)

Answers and comments should preferably be reasoned and should set out the relevant facts. If you identify a problem with any part of the proposed commitments, the Commission would also invite you to suggest a possible solution.

(12)

Observations can be sent to the Commission under reference number AT.40735 Online rail ticket distribution in Spain, either by e-mail (COMP-GREFFE-ANTITRUST@ec.europa.eu) or by post, to the following address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Antitrust Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË

(1) OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1. With effect from 1 December 2009, Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty have become Articles 101 and, respectively, 102 of the TFEU. The two sets of provisions are in substance identical. For the purposes of this notice, references to Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU should be understood as references to Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty when applicable.

(2) Third-party ticketing platforms are defined in the offered commitments as any undertaking that distributes rail tickets to individual and/or corporate customers in the European Union through software application stores (e.g. Apple App Store or Google Play Store) or through a website. Undertakings not offering booking and payment functionalities to customers (i.e. metasearch redirecting customers to Renfe’s website) are not considered third-party ticketing platforms and are therefore not covered by the offered commitments.

(3) Renfe content and real time data are defined in Section A of the commitments.

(4) The Effective Date is the date upon which Renfe would receive formal notification of the Commitments Decision.

(5) The L2B ratio is the ratio between the number of queries (‘look’) related to the sale of tickets made to Renfe’s ticket sales system and the number of actual sales (‘book’) made during a given period of time.

(6) The Error Rate is the ratio between the number of failed reservation requests and the number of total reservation requests made to Renfe’s ticket sales system during a given period of time.

27.6.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 224/10

List of Member States and their competent authorities concerning Article 12(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online

(2023/C 224/06)

The publication of this list is in accordance with Article 12(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online (1). The competent authorities have been notified in accordance with the following articles of that Regulation:

SECTION IV

COMPETENT AUTHORITIES AND COOPERATION

Article 12 (2)

Designation of competent authorities

1. Each Member State shall designate the authority or authorities competent to:

(a)	issue removal orders pursuant to Article 3;

(b)	scrutinise removal orders pursuant to Article 4;

(c)	oversee the implementation of specific measures pursuant to Article 5;

(d)	impose penalties pursuant to Article 18.

3. By 7 June 2022, Member States shall notify the Commission of the competent authority or authorities referred to in paragraph 1 and any modification thereof. The Commission shall publish the notification and any modification thereto in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Member State	Competent authorities
Austria
Belgium	Federal prosecution service (Federaal parket/parquet federal) (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)), in matters of urgency I2-IRU Section Directorate for Combating Serious and Organised Crime (DJSOC) (Article 12(1)(a))
Bulgaria	Ministry of Interior - General Directorate Combating Organised Crime (Article 12(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d))
Croatia	Ministry of Internal Affairs (Ministarstvo unutarnjih poslova) (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)) Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (Hrvatska regulatorna agencija za mrežne djelatnosti) (Article 12(1)(c)) Municipal Misdemeanour Court in Zagreb (Općinski prekršajni sud u Zagrebu) (Article 12(1)(d))
Cyprus	Cyprus Police (Article 12(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d))
Czechia	National Counterterrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime Agency, Criminal Police and Investigation Service, Police of the Czech Republic (Article 12(1)(a)) Ministry of Interior of the Czech Republic (Article 12(1)(b)) Czech Telecommunication Office (Article 12(1)(c) and (d))
Denmark	The Danish National Police and the Courts of Denmark (Article 12(1)(a)) The Danish National Police (Article 12(1)(b) and (c)) The Prosecution Service and the Courts of Denmark (Article 12(1)(d))
Estonia	Estonian Internal Security Service (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)) Estonian Technical Surveillance Authority (Article 12(1)(c) and (d))
Finland	National Bureau of Investigation (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)) Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom (Article 12(1)(c)) Sanctions Board at the National Police Board of Finland (Article 12(1)(d))
France	The Central Office for Combating Information- and Communication-Technology Crime (L'Office central de lutte contre la criminalité liée aux technologies de l'information et de la communication) (OCLCTIC) (Article 12(1)(a)) The Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (L'Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique) (ARCOM), personnalite-qualifiee@arcom.fr (Article 12(1)(b) and (c)) An ordinary court (Le juge judiciaire) for penal sanctions and the Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication (l'Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique) (ARCOM) for administrative sanctions (Article 12(1)(d))
Germany	Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt) (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)) Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) (Article 12(1)(c) and (d))
Greece
Hungary	National Media and Infocommunications Authority (Nemzeti Média- és Hírközlési Hatóság) (Article 12(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d))
Ireland	The Garda Síochána (An Garda Síochána) (Article 12(1)(a))
Italy
Latvia	State Security Service (Article 12(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d))
Lithuania
Luxembourg	Grand-Ducal Police – Ministry of Internal Security (Police grand-ducale - Ministère de la Sécurité intérieure) (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)) High Commission for National Protection – National Cybersecurity Agency (Haut-Commissariat à la Protection nationale - Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d'information) (Article 12(1)(c))
Malta	The Court of Justice as a Court of Criminal Judicature (Article 12(1)(a), (b) and (d)) The Police acting on the advice of the Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Unit (Article 12(1)(c))
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania	Autoritatea Națională pentru Administrare și Reglementare în Comunicații (ANCOM) (Article 12 (1) (a), (b), (c) and (d)) Serviciul Român de Informații (Article 12 (c), supports ANCOM in overseeing the implementation of specific measures pursuant to Article 5 of the Regulation) Ministerul Afacerilor Interne - Inspectoratul General al Poliției Române (upon the request of ANCOM, participates in verifying the compliance by the hosting providers with the obligations under the Article 3(3), Article 4(2) and Article 6 of the Regulation)
Slovakia	Police Force of the Slovak Republic (Article 12(1)(a) and (b)) Council for Media Services (Article 12(1)(c) and (d))
Slovenia
Spain	The Centre for Intelligence against Terrorism and Organised Crime (CITCO), Secretariat of State for Security of the Ministry of the Interior (Article 12(1)(a), (b) and (c)) Secretary of State for Security, competent to impose penalties for minor and serious infringements, and Minister of the Interior, competent to impose sanctions for very serious offences (Article 12(1)(d))
Sweden	Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten) (Article 12(1)(a), (b), (c) and (d))

(1) OJ L 172, 17.5.2021, p. 79.

(2) For the full text of Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2021/784 please refer to OJ L 172, 17.5.2021, p. 79.

27.6.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 224/15

Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33

(2023/C 224/08)

This communication is published in accordance with Article 17(5) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 (1).

COMMUNICATING THE APPROVAL OF A STANDARD AMENDMENT

‘Valencia’

PDO-ES-A0872-AM04

Date of communication: 3.4.2023

DESCRIPTION OF AND REASONS FOR THE APPROVED AMENDMENT

1. Categories of grapevine products Improvement to the wording

Description:

The references ‘white wine’, ‘red wine’ and ‘rosé wine’ have been replaced by the term ‘wine’. The ‘Wine’ category includes white, rosé and red wines, as defined in Part II ‘Categories of grapevine products’ of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

This amendment concerns point 2 of the specification but it does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Article 4(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 provides that ‘The description of the grapevine products shall indicate the relevant category or categories of grapevine products from amongst the categories set out in Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013’.

This amendment is needed in order to bring the wording into line with the regulatory provisions and comply with this requirement.

2. The maximum actual alcoholic strength has been introduced for white, rosé and red wines labelled with the term ‘Petit Valencia’

Description:

The maximum limit for actual alcoholic strength (% volume) for wines labelled with the term ‘Petit Valencia’ has been set at 9 % by volume, i.e. a range between 4,5 % and 9 % by volume would be allowed.

This amendment concerns point 2(a) of the specification and point 4 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

It has been deemed necessary to specify that for white, red or rosé wines labelled with the term ‘Petit Valencia’, the range is between 4,5 % and 9 % by volume, to avoid confusion with the other white, red or rosé wines.

3. Changes to the volatile acidity of red, white and rosé wines with an actual alcoholic strength by volume of more than 12,5 %

Description:

It has been specified that the limit for the volatile acidity of red wines, on the one hand, and of white and rosé wines, on the other, with an actual alcoholic strength by volume of more than 12,5 % by volume, is to be below 1,2 g/l for reds, and 1,08 g/l for the rest.

This amendment concerns point 2(a) of the specification and point 4 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Compliance with Part C of Annex I to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/934 of 12 March 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

4. Correction to references to sugar content

Description:

The references to the sugar content of quality aromatic sparkling wines have been corrected as they were misspelled [in the Spanish version]: the words ‘Bruto’ and ‘Natural’ have been replaced by the words ‘Brut’ and ‘Nature’ respectively.

This amendment concerns point 2(a) of the specification but it does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Corrigendum.

5. Introduction of the organoleptic description for aged rosé wines

Description:

An organoleptic description has been added for rosé wines aged in wood (previously omitted by mistake).

This amendment concerns point 2(b) of the specification but it does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

As rosé wine can be aged in wood, it has been deemed appropriate to include an organoleptic description for this case.

6. Varieties used to produce quality aromatic sparkling wines

Description:

The section on specific oenological practices now includes the names of the varieties listed in point 6 of the specification that may be used to produce quality aromatic sparkling wines.

This amendment concerns point 3 of the specification and point 5(1) of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Compliance with the appendix in Annex II to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/934 of 12 March 2019 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, according to which not all varieties may be used to make this type of sparkling wines.

7. Production yield for Moscatel de Alejandría grapes

Description:

A maximum production per hectare of 16 000 kg and 121,60 hectolitres has been defined for Moscatel de Alejandría grapes.

This amendment concerns point 5 of the specification and point 5(2) of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

The Moscatel de Alejandría grape variety is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Valencia and it has high yields.

With the modernisation of cultivation techniques, the yield of parcels where this variety is planted has been seen to increase, without this affecting the quality or typical characteristics of the resulting products.

In order to adapt to this situation, it is necessary to differentiate between the maximum yield of the Moscatel de Alejandría variety and that of other white varieties, raising it to 16 000 kg per hectare in accordance with the data on and experience with the designation of origin.

8. Improvement to the wording of the section on the Link with the geographical area

Description:

The description of the entire section 7 on the link with the geographical area has been amended.

This amendment concerns point 7 of the specification and point 8 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO) and it only entails an improvement to the wording of the section on the link. The link itself remains unchanged.

Reason:

Following judgments Nos 958/2021 and 959/2021 of the Administrative Disputes Division of the Supreme Court, the entire specification dating from 2011 had been redrafted. However, it is now necessary to refine the wording of the section on the link to take account of the observations made by the Commission at the time, particularly its description for each product category.

9. Introduction of the possibility for winemaking to take place in proximity to the demarcated area

Description:

A derogation from the requirement for the wine to be made within the demarcated area has been introduced, in accordance with Article 5(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 2019/33, for the municipalities in the Autonomous Community of Valencia that are adjacent to those within the geographical area.

This amendment concerns point 8(b)(iii) of the specification and point 9 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

It entails availing of the possible derogations set out in Article 5 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33 of 17 October 2018 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards applications for protection of designations of origin, geographical indications and traditional terms in the wine sector, the objection procedure, restrictions of use, amendments to product specifications, cancellation of protection, and labelling and presentation.

10. Improvement of the wording of the section on control over the co-existence of wines

Description:

The sentence ‘To this end, the Regulatory Board, through its Control Body, shall establish the control measures it deems necessary’ has been deleted as it does not add anything to the text.

This amendment affects point 8(b)(iv) of the specification but does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

It is obvious that the existing control body will, in each case, be responsible for establishing the necessary control procedures, not only to verify the co-existence of different wines, but also all other aspects of the specification.

11. Update to regulatory references

Description:

References to the previous CMO have been replaced by references to the one that is currently in force.

This amendment affects point 8(b)(v) of the specification but does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

Other aspects of the product specification have been amended to update the regulatory references.

12. Applicable requirements – Labelling terms: ‘Moscatel de Valencia’ or ‘Vino de licor Moscatel de Valencia’

Description:

The purpose of this amendment is to distinguish between two ways of producing Moscatel liqueur wine. If must including lees and grapeskins is used in making the liqueur wine, the term ‘Tradicional’ must be included. If not, this term must be omitted. It has been clarified that in both cases, the grapes used must be 100 % Moscatel de Alejandría.

This amendment concerns points 8(b)(v) and (vi) of the specification and point 9 of the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

This type of wine has been traditional in this designation of origin since its inception and was included in the first rules on the designation of origin, which date from 1957.

It is necessary to distinguish between the two production methods used to make Moscatel liqueur wines under the ‘Valencia’ PDO, which consist of using clarified or whole must.

13. Update to details of the competent authority

Description:

The contact details of the competent authority have been updated.

This amendment affects point 9(a) of the specification but does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

It has been decided to update this information, coinciding with the amendments to other sections of the specification.

14. Correction to the scope of checks

Description:

The scope of the checks to verify compliance with the specification has been amended to specify that it includes the production process and the product itself.

This amendment affects point 9(b)(i) of the specification but does not concern the single document.

It is a standard amendment because it does not fall into any of the categories provided for in Article 105(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 (single CMO).

Reason:

It has been decided to correct this omission, coinciding with the amendments to other sections of the specification, because it is obvious that the scope of the checks includes the production process and the product itself.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Valencia

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected designation of origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

Wine

3.	Liqueur wine

6.	Quality aromatic sparkling wine

8.	Semi-sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

1. White wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. May be aged in wooden containers. Clean nose with good intensity and fruity notes. In the mouth, good acidity, fresh and fruity with a long finish.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.

Maximum volatile acidity, if the actual alcoholic strength is > 12,5 % by volume: 18 milliequivalents per litre.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9
Minimum total acidity	3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,33
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

2. Rosé and red wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The rosé wines have pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. Clean, intense nose with fruity aromas predominating. In the mouth, good acidity, bold and balanced. Long finish. The red wines tend to be dark in colour, mainly red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Nose with good intensity and high fruitiness.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: for rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 250 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds. 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.

Maximum volatile acidity, if the actual alcoholic strength is > 12,5 % by volume: 18 milliequivalents per litre.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	9,5
Minimum total acidity	3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,33
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

3. Wines bearing the terms ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’ and ‘Gran Reserva’

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Deeper colours than the base wine. More intense yellow in the case of white wines. Approaching brick-red tones in the case of red wines. A balance between fruitiness and woody aromas in the nose. Good retronasal sensations in the mouth.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 300 mg/l for whites and 250 mg/l for rosés if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.

Maximum volatile acidity, if the actual alcoholic strength is > 12,5 % by volume: 18 milliequivalents per litre.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	12
Minimum total acidity	3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,33
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

4. White, rosé and red liqueur wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

In the case of white liqueur wine, mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. Rosé liqueur wine has pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. Red liqueur wine has red tones with violet, purple, garnet or ruby tints. Good intensity in the nose, particularly when made from Moscatel grapes. Sweet and appetising, balanced with a powerful aftertaste.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is 5 g/l or above.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	15
Minimum total acidity	1,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	20
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. White, rosé and red quality aromatic sparkling wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

If the base wine is white, mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. If the base wine is rosé, pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. If the base wine is red, red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Clean, intense nose with the aromas specific to the variety. Good acidity and intensity in the mouth. Fresh wines with well-integrated carbon dioxide.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	6
Minimum total acidity	3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,33
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)	185

6. White, rosé and red semi-sparkling wine

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

If the base wine is white, mainly yellow tones, ranging from pale to golden yellow. If the base wine is rosé, pink tones with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant or salmon tints. If the base wine is red, red tones with violet, purple, garnet, cherry or ruby tints. Clean, intense nose with the aromas specific to the variety. Fresh, fruity and intense in the mouth, with well-integrated carbon dioxide.

Maximum sulphur dioxide: for whites and rosés, 200 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 250 mg/l for both types if it is 5 g/l or above; for reds, 150 mg/l if the sugar content is < 5 g/l and 200 mg/l if it is [5 g/l] or above.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	7
Minimum total acidity	3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,33
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

7. White, rosé and red wine bearing the term ‘Petit Valencia’ on the label

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

The characteristics will be similar to those described for white, rosé and red wines.

Maximum actual alcoholic strength: 9 % volume

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	4,5
Minimum total acidity	3,5 grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)	13,33
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine-making practices

5.1. Specific oenological practices

Specific oenological practice

Sufficient pressure must be applied to extract the wine and separate it from the marc, so that the yield does not exceed 82 litres of must or 76 litres of wine per 100 kilograms of grapes. Under no circumstances may batches of wine obtained by applying unsuitable pressure be used to make protected wines.

The wooden containers used in the ageing processes must be made of oak and have a capacity that complies with the volume limits laid down by the legislation in force for the use of certain traditional terms.

The following varieties are to be used for the production of quality aromatic sparkling wines: Albariño, Gewürztraminer, Macabeo, Alarije (Malvasía Riojana, Subirat Parent), Moscatel de Alejandría, Moscatel de Grano Menudo and Verdejo.

5.2. Maximum yields

1. Red grape varieties

9 100 kilograms of grapes per hectare

2. White grape varieties

12 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

3. Red grape varieties

69,16 hectolitres per hectare

4. White grape varieties

91,20 hectolitres per hectare

5. Moscatel de Alejandría variety

16 000 kilograms of grapes per hectare

121,60 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The production area covered by the ‘Valencia’ PDO consists of the land located in the province of Valencia and falling within the smaller geographical units, or ‘sub-areas’ covered by the PDO, consisting of the following municipalities:

a)	ALTO TURIA sub-area: Alpuente, Aras de los Olmos, Benagéber, Calles, Chelva, La Yesa, Titaguas and Tuéjar.

VALENTINO sub-area: Alborache, Alcublas, Andilla, Bétera, Bugarra, Buñol, Casinos, Cheste, Chiva, Chulilla, Domeño, Estivella, Gestalgar, Godella, Godelleta, Higueruelas, Llíria, Losa del Obispo, Macastre, Montserrat, Montroy, Náquera, Paterna, Pedralba, Picaña, Real, Riba-roja de Túria, Torrent, Turís, Vilamarxant, Villar del Arzobispo and Yátova.

c)	MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA sub-area: Catadau, Cheste, Chiva, Godelleta, Llombai, Montroy, Montserrat, Real, Torrent, Turís and Yátova.

CLARIANO sub-area: Atzeneta d’Albaida, Agullent, Albaida, Alfarrasí, Anna, Aielo de Malferit, Aielo de Rugat, Ayora, Barx, Bèlgida, Bellreguard, Bellús, Beniatjar, Benicolet, Benigánim, Benissoda, Benisuera, Bicorp, Bocairent, Bolbaite, Bufali, Castelló de Rugat, Carrícola, Chella, Enguera, Fontanars dels Alforins, Guardamar de la Safor, La Font de la Figuera, Guadasequies, La Llosa de Ranes, Llutxent, Mogente, Montaverner, Montesa, Montichelvo, L’Olleria, Ontinyent, Otos, El Palomar, Pinet, La Pobla del Duc, Quatretonda, Ráfol de Salem, Rugat, Salem, Sempere, Terrateig, Vallada and Xàtiva.

The production area also comprises parcels entered in the vineyard register and managed by members of cooperatives or owners of wineries entered on the Regulatory Board registers, which have traditionally been used for the production of wines covered by the ‘Valencia’ PDO and which are located in the following places in the municipalities of Almansa and Caudete in the province of Albacete: Campillo, Estación, Casa Pino, Casa Pina, Mojón Blanco, Moleta, Molino Balsa, Prisioneros, Canto Blanco, La Venta, Derramador, Montalbana, Casa Alberto, Escribanos, Escorredores, Capitanes, Pandos, Venta del Puerto, Torre Chica, Torre Grande, Casa Blanca, El Pleito, Herrasti and Casa Hondo, in the municipality of Almansa, and Vega de Bogarra, Derramador and El Angosto, in the municipality of Caudete.

The production area includes parcels belonging to members of the La Viña Coop V wine cooperative in the town of Villena, which are entered on the Wine Register and have traditionally been used for the production of wines covered by the ‘Valencia’ PDO.

7. Wine grape varieties

GARNACHA TINTORERA

MACABEO - VIURA

MERSEGUERA

MONASTRELL

MOSCATEL DE ALEJANDRÍA

VERDIL

8. Description of the link(s)

Wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are known for their high aromatic intensity, which is due to the water stress endured by the vines in spring and summer. This happens because temperatures are high in those seasons and there is more evapotranspiration.

These wines are also distinguished by their strong colour intensity due to the thermal range. Liqueur wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are noted for their high aromatic intensity, which is a consequence of the mild average temperatures throughout the year and the water stress experienced in spring and summer.

Quality aromatic sparkling wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are known for being characteristically fruity, light and balanced. These features are the result of the Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year.

Finally, semi-sparkling wines bearing the ‘Valencia’ PDO are fruity, light and balanced, due to the mild average temperatures.

9. Essential further conditions (packaging, labelling, other requirements)

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The designation ‘VALENCIA’ must feature prominently. A sub-area may be indicated if all of the grapes [used to make the wine] were grown there. The name of the grape variety may only be used for wines made using at least 85 % of the variety in question. The exception is ‘Moscatel de Valencia’ and ‘Moscatel tradicional de Valencia’ liqueur wine, for which the requirement is that only the Moscatel de Alejandría variety may be used.

Possible terms on labelling:

The term ‘VINO PETIT VALENCIA’ may feature on young wines with an actual alcohol content > 4,5 % and a total alcohol content > 9 % by volume, made using natural methods.

The terms ‘MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA’, or ‘VINO DE LICOR MOSCATEL DE VALENCIA’ may be used on wine from 100 % Moscatel de Alejandría grapes and made in accordance with the 4th indent of point 3(c) of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of 17 December 2013. If must containing lees and grapeskins is used in winemaking, the term ‘Tradicional’ must feature on the label.

‘VINO DULCE’ on liqueur wines made in accordance with the 4th indent of point 3(c) of Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of 17 December 2013.

The traditional term ‘Primero de Cosecha’ (First harvest) may be used on red, white and rosé wines made from grapes picked in the first ten days of the harvest and bottled within the thirty days following the end of the harvest, with the obligation that the vintage be indicated on the label.

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation on the production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The winemaking and ageing facilities must be located within the production area. They may also be located in those municipalities of the Autonomous Community of Valencia that are adjacent to those within the demarcated geographical area.

Link to the product specification

https://agroambient.gva.es/documents/163228750/0/DOPVLC-P2022.pdf/

(1) OJ L 9, 11.1.2019, p. 2.

27.6.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 224/26

Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2023/C 224/09)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within 2 months from the date of this publication.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Côtes du Roussillon’

PDO-FR-A0919-AM01

Date of application: 20.4.2018

1. Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 - Non-minor amendment

2. Description of and reasons for amendment

2.1. Deletion of the supplementary geographical name ‘Les Aspres’

The specifications for the protected designations of origin (PDO) ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ and ‘Côtes du Roussillon villages’ have been amended. The labelling of the supplementary geographical name ‘Les Aspres’, a geographical unit smaller than the PDO production area within the meaning of Article 120(1)(g) of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, has hitherto been authorised in addition to the name ‘Côtes du Roussillon’. The applicant groups for the two PDOs ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ and ‘Côtes du Roussillon villages’ wanted this additional term to be linked to the PDO ‘Côtes du Roussillon villages’, in the interests of consistency and greater clarity for consumers regarding the various wines on offer. The specification ‘Côtes du Roussillon villages’ in fact already provides for several additional labelling terms referring to smaller geographical units, which will therefore be supplemented by the term ‘Les Aspres’.

The points in the specification affected by the deletion of this reference are as follows:

In Chapter 1:

—	point II (2) (‘Geographical name and additional information’); the single document has been amended accordingly under the heading ‘Supplementary provisions on labelling’;

—	section III, ‘Colour and types of product’. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

—	point IV (2) (b) ‘Geographical area and areas in which the various operations are carried out’ has been deleted. The single document is not affected by this amendment. Point IV has also been amended, see above;

—	point V, ‘Vine varieties’. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

—	b) ‘Pruning rules’ and d) ‘Average maximum crop load per parcel’ in 1. ‘Training systems’ of point VI ‘Vineyard management’. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

—	2. ‘Ripeness of the grape’ of point VII ‘Harvest, transport and ripeness of the grape’. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

—	b) of 1. ‘Yields’ and 2. ‘Upper yield limits’ of point VIII ‘Yields - Age when the vines start producing’. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

—

a) ‘Blends of grape varieties’, (b) ‘Malolactic fermentation’ and (c) ‘Analytical standards’ of 1. ‘General provisions’, and 5. ‘Provisions concerning product circulation and placing on the market for the consumer’ of point IX ‘Processing, production, maturation, packaging, storage’. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

—	point X ‘Link with the geographical area’ and also the summary of the link with the origin set out in the single document;

—	c) of 2. ‘Special provisions’ of point XII ‘Rules on presentation and labelling’, in order to remove the reference to the labelling of ‘Les Aspres’, as indicated above. The following point (d) has been renumbered as (c), without any changes.

The single document has been amended in order to take account of the removal of the term ‘Les Aspres’.

In Chapter II, all the provisions relating to the supplementary geographical indication in I ‘Reporting requirements’ have been deleted. The single document is not affected by this amendment.

The paragraph on the geographical unit ‘Les Aspres’ has been deleted from the specification for the Côtes du Roussillon PDO, but this provision does not affect the geographical area or the area demarcated by the Côtes du Roussillon PDO. This amendment therefore does not need to be included under the point ‘change to the demarcated geographical area and to the demarcated parcel area’.

2.2. Change to the geographical production area and to the demarcated parcel area

In point IV ‘Geographical area and areas in which the various operations are carried out’

—	the first sentence of points 1. and 3. has been simplified, with the deletion of the words ‘processing and maturation’;

During the national public consultation phase, it was underlined that there was no reason for maturation to take place in the geographical area. The group considered that limiting maturation to the geographical area did not confer any special characteristics on the product and that there was no justification for keeping this condition: it has therefore been proposed that it be deleted from the stages which must be carried out in the geographical area. This point has been added to the single document.

The single document has been amended under the point ‘demarcated geographical area’.

—

the geographical production area has been revised, since some municipalities have been excluded from the geographical production area. These are municipalities in which there is no longer any production of grapes for the PDO ‘Côtes du Roussillon’, namely: Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, Bouleternère, Caixas, L’Ecluse, Fosse, Joch, Latour-Bas-Elne, Marquixanes, Pézilla-de-Conflent, Prats-de-Sournia, Reynès, Riunoguès, Saint-Cyprien, Saint-Michel-de-Llotes, Sournia and Taillet. No objections were raised on this point during the public consultation. These municipalities have been integrated into the area in immediate proximity due to the continued use of winemaking. An addition has been made to the single document to clarify this point.

The single document has been updated under the point ‘geographical area’.

—

the date of 6 September 2016 has been added under 2. in point IV of Chapter I of the specification. The purpose of this amendment is to add the date on which the relevant national authority approved changes to the demarcated parcel area within the geographical area of production. Parcels are demarcated by identifying the parcels within the geographical area of production that are suited to production of the registered designation of origin in question.

The single document is not affected by this amendment.

2.3. Making the wines available to the consumer

In point IX ‘Processing, processing, ageing, packaging, storage’, two provisions on red wines, ageing time (previously set at 31 December of the year of harvest) and date of marketing to the consumer (previously set at 15 January of the year following the harvest) have been deleted. The date on which the wines are put into circulation between authorised warehousekeepers has been brought forward to 1 December instead of 15 December of the year of harvest for red wines.

For white and rosé wines, the date on which the wines are put into circulation between authorised warehousekeepers has been brought forward from 1 December to 15 November of the harvest year.

The specific date on which red wines are placed on the market has been deleted, along with the obligation for maturation to take place in the geographical area. This date is now identical to the date for white and rosé wines and is in accordance with the national legislation in force (15 December after harvest). The single document has been corrected and the following sentence has been moved: ‘The date of placing on the market shall be brought back to 15 December of the harvest year for all wines’.

This amendment has been moved to the point ‘Specific oenological practices’ of the single document.

2.4. Rules on vine varieties and blends

The rules on varieties and the blending of white and rosé wines, set out in Section V ‘Vine varieties’ of the specification, and under (a) ‘Blends’ of point 1. ‘General provisions’ in Section IX ‘Processing, conditioning, maturation, packaging, storage’ have been amended:

—

for rosé wines, Grenache Gris, which was a secondary grape variety, has been added to the list of main grape varieties. Conversely, the varieties Carignan and Mourvèdre have moved from the category ‘main grape varieties’ to ‘secondary grape varieties’. The maximum proportion of secondary grape varieties in wine blends has increased from 20 % to 30 %;

—

for white wines, two new grape varieties, Viognier B and Carignan B, have been authorised as secondary grape varieties. Carignan B is scattered throughout old vines and gives strong acidity to the wines. Viognier B is present in the vineyards of this region and is used in the production of PGI wines, to which it lends interesting aromatic potential. It was therefore decided that these grape varieties would be included on the list of authorised varieties. An upper limit of 10 % of secondary grape varieties in blends has also been introduced;

—	for red wines, the maximum proportion of secondary grape varieties in blends has increased from 20 % to 30 %.

These changes in the percentage of secondary varieties in blends are a desirable development, since they correspond to the product which is actually being produced. Furthermore, the reduction in the proportion of the main grape varieties in rosé wines from 80 % to 70 % corresponds to the wish to produce blends rather than wines bordering on the single-varietal, which is more in line with the specific character of Côtes du Roussillon. The single document has been supplemented.

As regards the rules on the proportions of the various grape varieties to be planted in the vineyard, set out in point 2. of Section V ‘Vine varieties’, two amendments have been made:

—	for rosé wines, the minimum percentage for the two main grape varieties has been reduced from 80 % to 70 %. The rules specific to the varieties Carignan N, Mourvèdre N and Syrah N have been deleted.

—	an exception to the rules on vine varieties in vineyards has been introduced for grape suppliers with small areas of land, as was already the case for other PDOs.

The provision regarding the exception to the rules on vine varieties in vineyards for grape suppliers with small areas of land applies to cooperative members with a small area of land, so that they can declare a PDO without complying with all the rules on the proportion of varieties. The rules on blending, on the other hand, must be complied with by the winemaker (wine-making cooperative), which brings together all those supplying the organisation (cooperative members) for the designation Côtes du Roussillon. This is a provision which is common to all designations in the region. The single document has been supplemented.

These clarifications have been moved to the point ‘Specific oenological practices’ of the single document.

2.5. Pruning rules

The following details of (b) ‘Pruning rules’ in point 1. ‘Training systems’ of Section VI ‘Vineyard management’ have been amended:

—	single Guyot pruning for the Roussanne, Marsanne and Vermentino grape varieties, which had previously been authorised only on the territory of 19 municipalities, is now authorised for the entire territory of the designation;

—

the ban on rejuvenation pruning on parcels of vines pruned using the ‘Cordon de Royat’ method, which should not exceed 10 % per year of the vines on the parcel, has been lifted. On the other hand, a reporting requirement has been introduced with a view to reinforcing the controls and the advice, in view of the special nature of this technique which, when managed poorly, can have negative consequences on the vine.

The amendment extends a pruning type (single Guyot) to the entire geographical area for the Marsanne B, Roussanne B and Vermentino B grape varieties, which had previously been reserved in the initial specification for the westernmost municipalities of the ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ designation. This pruning method has now become widespread practice throughout the area because it facilitates more regular fruit-bearing for these grape varieties in the region, and reduces wind-induced cane breakage. Single Guyot pruning may be used for the Marsanne B, Roussanne B and Vermentino B grape varieties, with a maximum of 8 buds per plant, including no more than 6 buds on the cane and 1 spur with no more than 2 buds.

These amendments have been included in the single document under ‘Cultivation practices’.

2.6. Size-related reporting requirements

In Chapter II of the specification, concerning preliminary size-related reporting requirements, there is a preliminary reporting requirement vis-à-vis the PDO, with an on-site visit, when the rejuvenation of a vine pruned using the ‘Cordon de Royat’ method exceeds 10 % per year of the vines.

This requirement is linked to the inspection. The reporting is linked to the size production condition, in the case of the ‘rejuvenation’ of a parcel pruned using the ‘Cordon de Royat’ method as indicated in point VI 1. b) Special provisions.

The single document has been amended under the point ‘Wine-making practices - Cultivation practices’.

2.7. Description of the wines

In response to the notifications from the European Commission, Chapter I of the specification has been amended in Section X- ‘Link with the geographical area’.

—	point 2. Information on the quality and characteristics of the product, has been amended to supplement the organoleptic description of each wine colour. These additions have been made in the single document under the point ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

—	part 3. Causal link, has been amended to specify the causal interaction between the characteristics of the PDO wines and those of its geographical area. These clarifications have been made under the point ‘link with the geographical area’ of the single document.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Côtes du Roussillon

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

Analytical characteristics

The designation is reserved for still dry white, rosé and red wines.

The minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume is 12 % for red and rosé wines and 11,5 % for white wines.

Red wines ready to be marketed in bulk or bottled must have a malic acid content that does not exceed 0,4 g/l.

The wines ready to be marketed in bulk or bottled have a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content which is less than or equal to the following values:

—	Red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume less than or equal to 14 %: 3 grams per litre - red wines (with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of more than 14 %): 4 grams per litre

—	Rosé and white wines: 4 grams per litre.

—	Batches of wine ready to be marketed in bulk and eligible for the term ‘primeur’ (early) or ‘nouveau’ (new) have a volatile acidity content which is less than or equal to 10,2 milliequivalents per litre;

—	Red wines eligible to be labelled using the term ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’ must, at bottling stage, have a fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content which is less than or equal to 2 grams per litre;

—	The maximum total and minimum acquired alcoholic strengths must be in line with the limit values laid down in EU legislation. Volatile acidity, total acidity and sulphur dioxide levels are those laid down in EU legislation.

Organoleptic characteristics

The red wines are always produced from a blend of at least two grape varieties. In most cases, they have a deep red colour. The aromas are characterised by notes of red fruit and spices, nd the wines are full-bodied, with a strong structure and the presence of ripe, velvety tannins.

Rosé wines, made from a blend of at least two grape varieties, generally have a strong pink colour. On the palate, they express beautiful aromatic complexity, with notes of fresh fruit and red berries. These are wines with a beautiful structure, and are rounded with good aromatic persistence.

The white wines come from a blend of at least two grape varieties. They have a light, shiny golden colour, and are characterised by aromas of white flowers, exotic fruit and citrus fruit. They are balanced, fresh wines with pleasing minerality, or fuller-bodied, smoother and more generous.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

5. Wine-making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the rows of vines must not exceed 2,50 metres. The area available for each plant must not exceed 2,5 square metres. This area is calculated by multiplying the distance between rows by the distance between vines in the same row.

For vines planted in square or triangular formation, each plant has must have a a maximum area of 3 square metres. This area is calculated by multiplying the distance between rows by the distance between vines in the same row. The spacing between rows and spacing between plants in the same row is less than or equal to 1,70 metres.

Subject to compliance with the minimum planting density of 4 000 plants per hectare, vines planted with an existing block may have a spacing between rows of more than 2,50 metres.

The vines are pruned using spur pruning, with a maximum of 8 spurs per plant. Each spur has a maximum of 2 buds;

Single Guyot pruning may be used for the Syrah N variety, with a maximum of 8 buds per plant, of which no more than 6 on the cane, and 1 spur with a maximum of 2 buds;

Single Guyot pruning may thus be used for the Marsanne B, Roussanne B and Vermentino B grape varieties, with a maximum of 8 buds per plant, including no more than 6 buds on the cane and 1 spur with no more than 2 buds in the following municipalities: Ansignan, Arboussols, Caramany, Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, Felluns, Fosse, Lansac, Montalba-le-Château, Pézilla-de-Conflent, Prats-de-Sournia, Prugnanes, Rodès, Saint-Arnac, Saint-Martin, Sournia, Tarerach, Trévillach et Trilla, and Le Vivier.

Where the rejuvenation of a vineyard parcel pruned using the ‘Cordon de Royat’ method exceeds 10 % of the existing plants per year, this must be reported for the purpose of monitoring crop load.

Irrigation may be authorised.

The use of oenological charcoal to make rosé wines, either alone or mixed in preparations, is prohibited.

For wine-making, wines with the ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ PDO must have the following blends of grape varieties:

—	For the red wines:

—	The wines come from the blend of at least 2 grape varieties;

—	The proportion of the largest variety, which must be a main grape variety, is less than or equal to 80 % of the blend;

—	The proportion of secondary varieties, together or separately, is no more than 30 % of the blend.

—	For the rosé wines:

—	The wines come from the blend of at least 2 grape varieties, with the exception of wines from white grape varieties where these are produced separately;

—	The proportion of the largest variety, which must be a main grape variety, is no more than 80 % of the blend;

—	The proportion of secondary varieties, together or separately, is no more than 30 % of the blend.

—	For the white wines:

—	The wines come from the blend of at least 2 grape varieties;

—	The proportion of the largest variety is no more than 80 % of the blend;

—	The proportion of the Grenache blanc B, Macabeu B and Tourbat B (locally referred to as Malvoisie du Roussillon) varieties, together or separately, is greater than or equal to 50 %.

The proportion of the secondary grape varieties is no more than 10 %.

The wines may circulate between authorised warehouses at the earliest:

—	on 1 November of the harvest year for wines bearing the term ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’.

—	on 15 November of the harvest year for white and rosé wines.

—	on 1 December of the harvest year for red wines.

‘The date of placing on the market for consumers shall be set as 15 December of the harvest year for all wines’.

In addition to the provision(s) above, wines must meet the obligations laid down at EU level and set out in the Rural Code with regard to oenological practices.

b. Maximum yields

58 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made on the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Pyrénées-Orientales:

Ansignan, Arboussols (in part), Argelès-sur-Mer, Bages, Baho, Baixas, Banyuls-dels-Aspres, Bélesta, Le Boulou, Brouilla, Cabestany, Calce, Camélas, Canet-en-Roussillon, Canohès, Caramany, Cases-de-Pène, Cassagnes, Castelnou, Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, Céret, Claira, Corbère, Corbère-les-Cabanes, Corneilla-la-Rivière, Corneilla-del-Vercol, Elne, Espira-de-l’Agly, Espira-de-Conflent, Estagel, Estoher en partie,Felluns, Finestret en partie, Fourques, Ille-sur-Têt (in part), Lansac, Laroque-des-Albères, Latour-de-France, Lesquerde, Llauro, Llupia, Maureillas-las-Illas, Maury, Millas, Montalba-le-Château, Montauriol, Montescot, Montesquieu-des-Albères, Montner, Néfiach, Oms, Opoul-Périllos, Ortaffa, Palau-del-Vidre, Passa, Perpignan, Peyrestortes, Pézilla-la-Rivière, Pia, Planèzes, Pollestres, Ponteilla, Prugnanes, Rasiguères, Rigarda, Rivesaltes, Rodès, Saint-André, Saint-Arnac, Saint-Estève, Saint-Féliu-d’Amont, Saint-Féliu-d’Avall, Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Jean-Lasseille, Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, Saint-Martin, Saint-Nazaire, Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie, Saleilles, Salses-le-Château, Le Soler, Sorède, Tarerach, Tautavel, Terrats, Thuir, Tordères, Toulouges, Tresserre, Trévillach, Trilla, Trouillas, Villelongue-dels-Monts, Villemolaque, Villeneuve-de-la-Raho, Villeneuve-la-Rivière, Vinça, Vingrau, Vivès, Le Vivier (in part).

7. Main grape variety (varieties)

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Description of the natural factors relevant to the link

The geographical area is located in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, within a vast amphitheatre facing east towards the Mediterranean sea and bordered on three sides by high ground:

—	the Canigou Massif to the west (Pic du Canigou at an altitude of 2 780 metres);

—	the Albera Massif to the south (Roc de France at an altitude of 1 450 metres) ;

—	the Corbières Massif to the north (Mont Tauch at an altitude of 878 metres).

The geographical area is crossed from west to east by three relatively short main rivers and smaller rivers that are often dried up. Over the centuries, these have swept material down from the mountains creating many terraces.

The landscape is shaped by erosion, successive deposits following seawater intrusions and a series of ancient formations shifted to the surface following the uplift of the Pyrenees.

All geographical eras are represented, giving rise to a diversity of soils, formed either from the bedrock, from transported material or from lake or marine deposits.

The parcels specifically demarcated for grape production intended for the designation are located:

—	on steep slopes of shale or limestone and their colluvium, to the north of the geographical area;

—	on hills of sandy-clay molasse to the south;

—	on stony terraces along the valleys which cross the geographical area.

These parcels have soils whose common characteristics are to be dry, low in organic material, stony and well drained.

The geographical area benefits from a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. There are more than 2 500 hours of sunshine annually. The annual rainfall of between 500 and 650 millimetres is often associated with storms. It is spread over spring and autumn, with a very marked period of summer drought. The average annual temperature is between 13 °C and 14 °C, with a cooler gradient towards the west or at higher altitudes. The climate is also characterised by the frequency (1 day out of 3) and violence of the ‘Tramontane’, the north-west wind, which is very cold in winter after passing over the snow-covered peaks of the Pyrenees, and which remediates but also accentuates the drought.

8.2. Description of the human factors relevant to the geographical link

Vine cultivation came to Roussillon, which owes its name to the Ibero-Ligurian city of Ruscino, a thriving city in the 6th century BC, at the same time as Mediterranean civilisation, brought by the Phoceans, who founded Massilia (Marseille) in around 600 BC, and taught the local tribes how to prune vines and produce wine. This hot and windy climate very soon gave rise to special ‘liqueur wines’, made from grapes with a very high natural sugar content, and dry wines with a high alcohol content.

The sweet wines were the first to become highly popular due to the fact that their nature allows them to be matured and stored for long periods of time in an oxidising environment while acquiring wonderful aromatic complexity. The high summer temperatures, the absence of underground cellars, as a consequence of the unfavourable geology, and lack of technical resources make it impossible to preserve the dry wines, which must be consumed quickly and locally for the most part.

The development of port activity, in ports such as Collioure and Port-Vendres, would allow them to become better known with the passing years. In the 18th century, traders from Sète used them in blends to ‘strengthen’ the Languedoc wines.

In the 19th century, the improvement of wine-making techniques and techniques for the preservation of dry wines allowed Roussillon wines to develop enhanced maturation and storage potential, and they are now sold under their own identity.

In 1816, the œnologist A. JULLIEN noted the importance of the origin of this production of ‘Roussillon’ dry red wines and classified their production into 3 separate areas in his book ‘The Topography of All the Known Vineyards’.

A century later, in 1930, producers founded the ‘Association professionnelle des vignerons du Haut-Roussillon pour la délimitation et la défense du cru’ (Professional association of winegrowers of Haut-Roussillon for the delimitation and defence of the cru). On 11 July 1932, the Civil Court of Perpignan granted this designation to the municipalities of Aspres (region to the south of the Têt river) and then, on 27 May 1937, extended it to the municipalities of Albères (Pyrenean foothills).

In 1936, the natural sweet wines gained recognition under the controlled designation of origin, and one of them was given the name ‘Côtes du Haut-Roussillon’.

Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion between the dry wines and the natural sweet wines, the dry wines produced in the southern part of the department of Pyrénées-Orientales became designation of origin wines in December 1951 under the name ‘Roussillon-dels-Aspres’ in the ‘vin délimité de qualité supérieure’ (designation of origin of high quality) category. The wines produced in the northern part, the southern foothills of the Corbières Massif, received recognition as designation of origin wines under the names ‘Corbières-du-Roussillon’ and ‘Corbières-supérieures-du-Roussillon’ in the category ‘vin délimité de qualité supérieure’ on 22 January 1952.

Following a long process initiated in the 1960s, these 3 designations of origin were brought together under the name ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ on 3 October 1972, before becoming ‘appellation d’origine contrôlée’ (controlled designation of origin) wines under the same name on 28 March 1977, thereby becoming the first major controlled designation of origin of Languedoc-Roussillon.

8.3. Causal interactions

The vast natural amphitheatre of Roussillon on the border with Spain, formerly a territory of Catalonia and which became part of France under the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, backs onto the Pyrenees and opens out on the Mediterranean Sea. A long wine-growing tradition took hold on its tiers of dry, poor and well-drained soil, in vineyards bathed in the heat and light of a typically Mediterranean climate, marked by summer drought and, above all, frequent winds.

Understanding of the natural environment has long enabled producers to manage the vines and their production so that they achieve optimum potential. In terms of wine-making know-how, grape varieties are planted in a considered manner and training systems are adapted to the various situations, always in a manner conducive to optimal ripeness of the grapes.

Indeed, on the parcels clearly demarcated according to their location on slopes, hills or terraces, producers have selected and maintained over time, for each colour, the varieties which are best suited to the soil and climate conditions of the geographical area.

For instance, for red and rosé wines, the varieties Grenache N or G, perfectly suited to extremely dry conditions, occupy the thin and arid slopes with the Carignan N variety. Mourvèdre N, which is harvested later, grows in the warmest and most sheltered locations. Syrah N, generally trellised because it is sensitive to the wind, is planted in locations with cooler soils, as are the main varieties for white wines, namely Grenache B, Maccabeu and Tourbat.

In parallel to this, producers have learned to master the production wine and its blending using each of these varieties, bearing in mind that at least two varieties are required in the blend for all three colours.

The suitability of these varieties to the various geographical locations and climates, and their complementarity, allow producers to express the characteristics of the wines covered by the designation, which are always blends: the red wines are characterised by their fruitiness, their strong structure and the presence of ripe tannins; the fresh and fruity rosé wines also present a beautiful structure, and are rounded with good aromatic persistence. The white wines are full-bodied, aromatic and generous.

In a territory with often marked relief, the vines form part of a Mediterranean landscape made up of scrubland, bush and rock with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The ancient site of Ruscino, the many Roman works of art, the abbeys and cloisters, and the estates dating back to the Knights Templar or more recent estates, bear witness to a long tradition closely linked to the cultivation of vines and wine production.

Through the years, and on difficult terrain, producers have used the know-how which they have acquired and developed to build the reputation of Côtes du Roussillon wines.

9. Essential further conditions

Area in immediate proximity

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation as producing wines eligible for the ‘Côtes du Roussillon’ controlled designation of origin, comprises the territory of the following municipalities of the department of Pyrénées-Orientales: Alenya, Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, Arboussols, Bompas, Bouleternère, Caixas, Collioure, Les Cluses, Estoher, Finestret, Fosse, Ille-sur-Têt, Joch, Latour-Bas-Elne, Marquixanes, Pézilla-de-Conflent, Prats-de-Sournia, Reynès, Saint-Cyprien, Saint Laurent-de-la-Salanque, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Michel-de-Llotes, Sournia, Taillet, Théza, Torreilles, Villelongue-de-la-Salanque, and Le Vivier.

Labelling

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The name of the controlled designation of origin can be supplemented by the term ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’ for wines which meet the conditions set out for such a term in this specification.

Wines eligible to bear the term ‘primeur’ or ‘nouveau’ must also state the vintage.

Wines with this controlled designation of origin may specify the broader geographical unit ‘Vin du Roussillon’ on their labels.

The size of the letters for this broader geographical unit must not be larger, either in height or width, than two-thirds of the size of the letters forming the name of the protected designation of origin.

Link to the product specification

http://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-071709f8-4d5f-4e7f-8e32-c7cab39f4cac

(1) OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

27.6.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 224/36

(2023/C 224/10)

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Duché d’Uzès’

PDO-FR-A1165-AM01

Date of application: 12 November 2013

1. Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 - Non-minor amendment

2. Description of and reasons for amendment

2.1. Conversion from PGI to PDO

Since 1989, and since the work on achieving recognition of the ‘Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès’ came to an end in 1992, producers have endeavoured to dedicate this production to a wine associated with the concept of ‘terroir’ in demarcated areas and to apply for the category of designations of origin. From that point, the definition of this ‘Vin de Pays’ and then of the PGI has reflected the focus on quality, with production criteria corresponding to those expected of a designation of origin (yield, list of grape varieties) and a demarcation of the terroir in which it is produced. Since then, the Syndicat (Wine-Growers’ Union) has been working on these criteria and their transposal into the specification in order to define the typical characteristics of the products and their production criteria in keeping with the demarcated terroir.

The amendments made to the specification to accompany the conversion from PGI to PDO relate to the following points, detailed one by one:

—	the demarcation of the geographical production area intended to identify parcels suitable for the production of grapes which can be used to produce the wines benefiting from the protected designation,

—	the rules on vine varieties without amendment to the list of varieties,

—	vineyard and harvest management, transport and ripeness of the grapes,

—	processing, preparation, maturation, packaging and storage of the wines,

—	labelling of the wines.

2.2. Demarcated parcel area

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by point IV 2. Demarcated parcel area.

This point has been added to the designation specification in order to identify precisely which vineyard parcels within the geographical area whose grapes can produce wines of the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin.

No provision has been made in the PGI for this parcel demarcation, so it has been added as part of the conversion from PGI to PDO.

The addition of this point to the specification does not affect the single document.

2.3. Vine varieties

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 5 – Vine varieties.

The minimum percentage of varieties from those grown on the holdings must be specified, without amending the authorised list of varieties.

The list of varieties selected for the production of the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ PDO is set out under the point ‘Main wine grape varieties’ of the single document.

The proportions of the various vine varieties does not affect the single document.

2.4. Vineyard management

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 6 – Vineyard management.

The addition of this point brings the specification into line with the national rules on designation of origin. It sets out wine-making practices in terms of planting density, pruning, trellising and authorisation of irrigation.

These provisions have been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Wine-making practices’.

2.5. Grape harvest, transport and ripeness

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 7 - Harvest, transport and ripeness of the grape.

The addition of this point brings the specification into line with the national rules on designation of origin. It sets out provisions on the ripeness of the grape and on transport of the harvest which do not affect the single document. It also provides for a minimum natural alcoholic strength of 12 %, which has been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

2.6. Processing, winemaking, winegrowing, market preparation, storage

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 9 - Processing, preparation, maturation, packaging, storage.

The addition of this point brings the specification into line with the more restrictive national rules on designation of origin.

It provides for proportions of blended grape varieties in the wines, in line with the rules introduced for vine varieties. These provisions do not affect the single document.

This point lays down provisions concerning obligatory malolactic fermentation for red wines, and maximum fermentable sugar content. These provisions have been added to the single document under ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

This point also sets out stricter provisions on oenological practices and the placing on the market of wines, which have been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Specific oenological practices’.

This point also lays down recommendations on storage and cellar maintenance which do not affect the single document.

2.7. Transitional provisions

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 11 – Transitional provisions.

This point allows operators to adapt to the more restrictive rules of the PDO specification in terms of:

—	the proportion of vine varieties to be planted

—	planting density

—	rules on trellising and foliage height

These provisions in the specification do not affect the single document.

2.8. Rules on presentation and labelling

As part of the conversion from PGI to PDO, Chapter 1 of the specification for the ‘Duché d'Uzès’ designation of origin has been supplemented by a point 12 - Rules on presentation and labelling. It is a general provision common to all the designations of origin bearing the national label ‘AOC’ (PDO). It states that wines for which the controlled designation of origin ‘Duché d’Uzès’ is used and which are presented with that name cannot be declared after harvest, offered to the public, dispatched, marketed or sold unless the above-mentioned controlled designation of origin appears in very prominent characters in the harvest declaration, in advertisements, in catalogues, and on any labels, invoices or receipts.

This provision does not affect the single document.

2.9. Organoleptic description of the wines

The specification has been amended in Chapter I - point ‘10- Information on the quality and characteristics of the product’ in order to clarify the visual and organoleptic description of the wines.

These additions have also been carried over to the single document under the heading ‘Description of the wine(s)’.

2.10. Link with the geographical area

The specification has been amended in Chapter I - point ‘10.3- Causal interactions’ to clarify that the causal link is due to the impact of the regional climate and the soil types on the production of fresh and fruity wines.

As part of the move from PGI to PDO, work on identifying the terroirs was undertaken, taking into account the climate and soil conditions of the area, thereby allowing producers to benefit from the best match between the wine-growing location and grape varieties, which reinforces the authenticity of the wines.

The additional details relating to demonstration of the causal link have been carried over to the single document under the point ‘Link with the geographical area - Causal interactions’.

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name(s)

Duché d’Uzès

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine product

Wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

1. Analytical characteristics

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ controlled designation of origin is reserved for still red, rosé and white wines.

Still wines have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of 12 %. Batches of wine that are ready to be marketed in bulk or packaged have a maximum fermentable sugar (glucose and fructose) content of:

—	3 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume not exceeding 14 %.

—	4 g/l for red wines with a natural alcoholic strength by volume of more than 14 % vol. 4 g/l for rosé wines.

—	4 g/l for white wines.

Red wines ready to be marketed in bulk or bottled must have a malic acid content that does not exceed 0,4 g/l.

The minimum and maximum levels for total alcoholic strength by volume, minimum actual alcoholic strength, total acidity and total sulphur dioxide are those set by EU legislation.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre):

2. Organoleptic characteristics

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ controlled designation of origin is produced in all three colours.

The red wines come from a blend, in which Syrah N and Grenache N account for at least 60 % and can be supplemented by the Carignan N, Cinsault N and Mourvèdre N varieties. Their colour ranges from ruby to garnet and can take on russet tones upon maturation. They have a strong to intense colour, and are clear wines. The aromatic expressions are reminiscent of ripe or candied fruit, often accompanied by notes of liquorice, reflecting the particular character of Syrah on this terroir. Their tannic, round and balanced structure offers the guarantee that they will be suitable for ageing.

The rosé wines are blends, with Grenache N as the dominant variety. Their colour ranges from lychee pink to coral. They are bright, luminous and clear. Their aromatic palette is reminiscent of red fruit. They are harmonious, fresh and powerful. Their freshness is determined by the location of the geographical area in the foothills of the Cévennes.

The white wines, produced from a main blend of Grenache B and Viognier B, are pale gold in colour with hints of green. They are outstandingly fresh, with intense notes of fresh fruit on the palate, such as peach or apricot. They also benefit from this transitional Mediterranean climate which slows maturation and preserves the acidity and balance of the wines.

5. Wine-making practices

a. Essential oenological practices

Growing method

—	The minimum vine planting density is 4 000 plants per hectare. The spacing between the vine rows must not exceed 2,50 metres.

—

The area available for each vine must not exceed 2,50 m2. This area is calculated by multiplying the distance between rows by the distance between vines in the same row. - Pruning takes place before 30 April of the harvest year; - The vines are spur-pruned, with a maximum of 12 buds per vine. each spur has a maximum of 2 buds. - the Syrah variety can be long-pruned with a maximum of 10 buds per plant, of which a maximum of 6 buds on the cane and 2 spurs with a maximum of 2 buds - Irrigation may be authorised.

Specific oenological practices

—	Any heat treatment of the grape harvest at a temperature above 40 °C is prohibited.

—	The use of oenological charcoal in making the white and rosé wines is prohibited, whether alone or mixed in preparations.

—	The use of wood chips is forbidden.

—	The rosé wines are produced by direct pressing.

—	The use of continuous presses is prohibited.

—	The red wines must be aged until at least 1 February of the year following the harvest. These wines are placed on the market for the consumer at the end of the ageing period, i.e. from 15 February of the year following the harvest.

Besides the above provisions set out above, the oenological practices adopted for the wines must comply with the obligations laid down by EU legislation and by the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code.

b. Maximum yields

1.	red wines 53 hectolitres per hectare

2.	rosé and white wines 60 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The grapes are harvested and the wines made, developed and aged on the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gard: Aigaliers, Aigremont, Arpaillargues-et-Aureillac, Aubussargues, Bagard, Baron, Belvézet, Blauzac, Bourdic, Bragassargues, Brignon, Canaules-et-Argentières, Cardet, Cassagnoles, Castelnau-Valence, Collorgues, Cruviers-Lascours, Dions, Durfort-et-Saint-Martin-de-Sossenac, Flaux, Foissac, Fons, Fontarèches, Fressac, Gajan, Garrigues-Sainte-Eulalie, Goudargues, La Bastide-d'Engras, La Bruguière, La Calmette, La Capelle-et-Masmolène, La Rouvière, Lédignan, Lézan, Logrian-Florian, Martignargues, Maruéjols-lès-Gardon, Massanes, Massillargues-Attuech, Monoblet, Montaren-et-Saint-Médiers, Moussac, Ners, Puechredon, Ribaute-les-Tavernes, Saint-André-de-Roquepertuis, Saint-Bauzély, Saint-Bénézet, Saint-Césaire-de-Gauzignan, Saint-Chaptes, Saint-Christol-lès-Alès, Saint-Dézéry, Sainte-Anastasie, Saint-Félix-de-Pallières, Saint-Hippolyte-de-Montaigu, Saint-Jean-de-Ceyrargues, Saint-Jean-de-Crieulon, Saint-Jean-de-Serres, Saint-Jean-du-Pin, Saint-Laurent-la-Vernède, Saint-Maurice-de-Cazevieille, Saint-Maximin, Saint-Nazaire-des-Gardies, Saint-Quentin-la-Poterie, Saint-Siffret, Saint-Théodorit, SaintVictor-des-Oules, Sanilhac-Sagriès, Sauve, Savignargues, Serviers-et-Labaume, Seynes, Tornac, Uzès, Vallabrix, Verfeuil, Vézénobres.

7. Main grape variety (varieties)

Carignan N

Cinsaut N - Cinsault

Clairette B

Grenache N

Marsanne B

Mourvèdre N - Monastrell

Roussanne B

Syrah N - Shiraz

Ugni Blanc B

Vermentino B - Rolle

Viognier B

8. Description of the link(s)

8.1. Description of the natural and human factors relevant to the link

The ‘Duché d’Uzès’ PDO area extends between Nîmes and Alès over 77 municipalities of the department of Gard, with the town of Uzès located in the eastern region. It comprises two contiguous basins:

—	in the west, the Lédignan basin is structured around a dome-shaped Cretaceous (Valanginian) anticline, the marl core of which has been hollowed out by erosion;

—	to the east, the Uzès basin is a syncline oriented east-west on Tertiary rocks (Eocene) which gradually change to marine deposits (Miocene).

The whole is bordered to the west by the foothills of the Cévennes; to the north by the Lussan limestone massif which peaks at Mount Bouquet (630 m); to the east and south, by vast limestone plateaux, often wooded, separating it from the countries of Nîmes, Sommières, and the Rhône valley. Lastly, the Gardon river, which is a major element in the local hydrographic network, crosses the area from the north-west to the south-east. The geographical area lies on principally limestone substrates and the vineyards are generally planted on stony slopes in shallow soil. The sector has a Mediterranean climate, albeit attenuated by its distance from the coast and by the mountainous terrain which curtails the influence of the sea. As a result, there are greater temperature contrasts than on the coast, and a decrease of one to two degrees in average annual temperature between the south-east and the north-west of the area. This transitional climate is reflected in particular by less severe summer drought; annual rainfall of around 700 mm is subject to significant inter-annual variation caused by the autumn rainfall, which is sometimes considerable (due to Cévenol episodes).

The geographical area thus extends from the heart of mixed-crop terrain, where vines are omnipresent on the slopes, and where the annual vegetation is divided between green oak and pubescent oak, reflecting the transitional climate of the area.

Over the centuries, vines have marked the history and agricultural life of the Uzès region and there has been ample evidence of vine cultivation on this land since Roman times.

Later, in the Middle Ages, vines were still present and took on strong symbolic meaning in the eyes of the Christian clergy, leading the first bishops to become winegrowers.

Reports on the quality of the vineyards and the noble wines on the territory of the Duchy of Uzès date back to the 15th century. Since this time and despite the successive crises, the hillside vineyards, a landscape feature associated with the olive tree and flanking richer plains planted with cereal crops, have remained a constant. The land ownership structure, dominated by small mixed-crop holdings, would encourage the development of hillside vines, a phenomenon which took hold in the 18th century through the practice of dual activity, where workers in the textile industries also cultivated small parcels of vines.

Since 1981, the wines have been recognised under the term ‘Vin de Pays de l’Uzège’, which in 1992 became ‘Vin de Pays Duché d’Uzès’, at which point production conditions were tightened and a Mediterranean grape variety was defined.

Taking into account the climate and soil conditions of the area, the Syndicat has been working on the identification of terroirs, thereby allowing producers to benefit from the best match between the wine-growing location and grape varieties, which reinforces the authenticity of the wines.

The vineyards will be restructured using the most noble Mediterranean varieties, namely Syrah N and Grenache N for red and rosé wines, and Grenache blanc B and Viognier B for white wines.

In 2010, almost 9 000 hectolitres were claimed by 32 private wineries and 11 cooperative wineries; red wines accounted for 60 % of production, rosé wines for 25 % and white wines for 15 %.

8.2. Causal interactions

The transitional Mediterranean climate of the particular geographical location of the PDO Duché d’Uzès, at the meeting point between Cévennes, Languedoc and Provence, allows the Mediterranean grape varieties to ripen slowly, giving the wines an original character marked by elegance, fruitiness and freshness.

The know-how of the winegrowers, the choice of only Mediterranean grape varieties and the studies of the terroir have thus made it possible for the various varieties to be planted in conditions which ensure optimal expression. Indeed, well-exposed parcels with shallow, stony and well-drained soils are always preferred. Moreover, thanks to the Cévennes foothills, the temperature varies significantly from day to night. It is this temperature range, and in particular the cooler nights, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly, enhancing their colour and preserving the acidity and aromatic expression of the berries, which are distinguishing characteristics of the fresh and fruity PDO Duché d’Uzès wines.

The Grenache N variety provides smoothness, depth and highly elegant yet intense fruitiness.

The Syrah N variety provides elegance, structure and aromatic complexity.

The blend of these 2 varieties, for both red and rosé wines, is obligatory and guarantees the originality of the ‘Duché d’Uzès’ wines. Producers’ know-how is expressed in how they manage the plants, through full mastery of their vigour and fruiting potential, using moderate yield practices associated with precise rules on pruning and foliage height. This know-how is also reflected in the adaptation of wine-making techniques and in particular in the need for a maturation period for red wines.

In order to make the designation more easily distinguished, a Syndicat bottle embellished with the Duché d’Uzès coat of arms was created in 2003. It was quickly adopted by producers, private producers and cooperative members, and is now used for around 70 % of all Duché d’Uzès wines. As a guarantee of perfect product control, 95 % of the wines are bottled in the production area.

The winegrowers of the Duché d’Uzès thus sustain an agricultural balance based on Mediterranean-type mixed farming, where the rich land is planted with cereal or fruit crops, and Mediterranean vineyards are planted on the most favourable hillsides, which are generally limited in size in the municipality.

Although the reputation of the wines has been reported since the 15th century, it became stronger in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to bottling taking place almost exclusively in the area and to the many tourists coming to discover the town of Uzès, its duchy and the heart of the village with its medieval houses.

9. Essential further conditions

Legal framework:

National legislation

Type of further condition:

Derogation concerning production in the demarcated geographical area

Description of the condition:

The area in immediate proximity, defined by derogation for making and development of the wines, comprises the territory of the following municipalities in the department of Gard: Cornillon, Orsan, Pougnadoresse, Pouzilhac and Vabres.

Link to the product specification

https://info.agriculture.gouv.fr/gedei/site/bo-agri/document_administratif-455370ad-04ad-4e6e-be9a-6e7d88987e94

(1) OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

27.6.2023

Official Journal of the European Union

C 224/43

Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council

(2023/C 224/11)

This publication confers the right to oppose the application pursuant to Article 98 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) within two months from the date of this publication.

REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO THE PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

‘Bairrada’

PDO-PT-A1537-AM01

Date of application: 2.3.2017

1. Rules applicable to the amendment

Article 105 of Regulation (EU) n° 1308/2013 – Non-minor modification

2. Description and reasons for amendment

2.1. Categories of grapevine products - update

Description:

Product category ‘Sparkling wine’ changed to ‘Quality sparkling wine’.

Reasons:

The product category is adapted to the period established in the legislation.

Single document (sections changed) All the previous references to the product category ‘Sparkling wine’ apply to the current category ‘Quality sparkling wine’.

Specification (sections changed) All the previous references to the product category ‘Sparkling wine’ apply to the current category ‘Quality sparkling wine’.

2.2. Categories of grapevine product – new category of grapevine product

Description:

The category ‘Liqueur wine’ is added.

Reasons:

To help increase the economic value of a product that already exists in the region, by granting it recognition as a designation of origin.

This type of product is already made by producers in accordance with traditional practices in use in the region, with distinctive quality and typical characteristics. In this way the inclusion of this new product in the ‘Bairrada’ PDO is a recognition of its importance and quality and an added value for its producers.

Single document (sections changed) ‘Categories of grapevine product’, Description of the wine(s)’, ‘Specific oenological practices’, ‘Link with the geographical area’ and ‘Further conditions’.

Specification (sections changed) “Categories of grapevine product”, Description of the wine(s)’, ‘Specific oenological practices’, ‘Link with the geographical area’ and ‘Further conditions’.

2.3. Description of the wine(s) – wine and quality sparkling wine categories

Description:

The description of the wine and quality sparkling wine categories has been improved and adapted.

Reasons:

The previous description was identified as being general and not specific enough, so it has been adapted to include the characteristics associated to products covered by the ‘Bairrada’ PDO. This is necessary to ensure that the single document and specification comply with the applicable legislation.

Single document (sections changed) ‘Description of the wine(s) – wine and quality sparkling wine categories’

Specification (sections changed) ‘Description of the wine(s) – wine and quality sparkling wine categories’

2.4. Maximum yield - Wine and quality sparkling wine

Description:

Amendment of the maximum yields for:

White and rosé wine: 100 hl

Red wine: 80 hl

Quality sparkling wine: 120 hl

Reasons:

The maximum yield has been increased to bring these values into line with actual production levels in the region, without compromising their distinctive characteristics.

Single document (sections changed) ‘Wine-making practices’

Specification (sections changed) ‘Wine-making practices’

2.5. Main grape varieties – new varieties

Description:

Amendment/update of the list of varieties. The Viognier variety has been introduced.

Reasons:

The need to adapt and update the varieties defined for the production of wines in the region to the new legal framework of the national list of varieties suitable for wine production in Portugal, including a new variety relevant for the characterisation of the region’s wines. This variety is part of the traditional varietal map of the geographical area, so its inclusion optimises rather than changes the distinctive character of the wines of the ‘Bairrada’ PDO.

Single document (sections changed) ‘Main grape varieties’

Specification (sections changed) ‘Main grape varieties’

2.6. Link with the geographical area

Description:

The description of the link with the geographical area has been adapted and improved. The information on the geographical area, product details and its causal link has been revised, for both the previously existing and new product categories.

Reasons:

Since, on the one hand, the previous description of the link was considered general and not specific enough and, on the other hand, the description of the link needed to be added for the new product category (liqueur wine), the content of this point has been revised to include all the product categories. This makes the content more objective, as the link established with the geographical area applies across all categories.

Single document (sections changed) ‘Link with the geographical area’

Specification (sections changed) ‘Link with the geographical area’

2.7. Wines - ‘Clássico’ designation

Description:

Introduction of requirements for the use of the designation ‘Clássico’ on the labelling.

Reasons:

The need to set the conditions and requirements for the use of the ‘Clássico’ designation on the labelling of the wines.

Single document (sections changed) ‘Further conditions - Additional provisions relating to labelling’

Specification (sections changed) ‘Further conditions - Additional provisions relating to labelling’

2.8. Information concerning the applicant

Description:

Update of information concerning the applicant

Reasons:

The information is out of date so an update is required. This is necessary to ensure that the specification complies with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.

Single document (sections changed) This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

Specification (sections changed) ‘Other information – Details of the applicant’

2.9. Information concerning stakeholders

Description:

Deletion of information concerning stakeholders.

Reasons:

Due to a misunderstanding, the details of the applicant had been mistakenly entered in this field. This information has now been deleted. This is necessary to ensure that the specification complies with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.

Single document (sections changed) This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

Specification (sections changed) ‘“Other information” - Stakeholder details’

2.10. Information on the control bodies

Description:

Update to information on the control bodies.

Reasons:

The information is out of date so an update is required. This is necessary to ensure that the specification complies with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.

Single document (sections changed) This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

Specification (sections changed) ‘“Other information” – Information concerning control bodies’

2.11. Information concerning the competent supervisory authorities

Description:

Update of the information concerning the competent supervisory authorities.

Reasons:

The information is out of date so an update is required. This is necessary to ensure that the specification complies with the applicable legislation and to clarify the previous description provided.

Single document (sections changed) This amendment does not lead to any changes to the single document.

Specification (sections changed) ‘“Other information” – Information concerning the competent supervisory authorities’

SINGLE DOCUMENT

1. Name of product

Bairrada

2. Geographical indication type

PDO – Protected Designation of Origin

3. Categories of grapevine products

Wine

3.	Liqueur wine

5.	Quality sparkling wine

4. Description of the wine(s)

4.1. Wine (white, red and rosé)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Whites: They have a fresh taste and a pale citrine colour with occasional greenish or slightly golden tones when fermented in new wooden barrels. They have delicate floral and/or fruity aromas which sometimes take on more intense tropical and buttery notes. These are structured wines with a good natural balance between acidity and alcohol and an excellent freshness.

Reds: Intensely red in colour, occasionally with blueish tinges, fruity aromas of blackberries, bergamot and spices; solid tannic structure and acidity. When aged, they develop tertiary aromas of wild berries, resins, spices, honey and smoked aromas, and good structure, guaranteed by a good balance of alcohol, acid and tannins, displaying great longevity.

Rosés: They have an orange-to-red colour, with fruity aromas of red fruit. On the palate they have a moderately high acidity and are very fresh in the mouth.

For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	11
Minimum total acidity	in milliequivalents per litre
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

4.2. Quality sparkling wine (white, red and rosé)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Whites: pale citrine colour with a slightly golden tones. The aromas are floral and fruity, with aromas of white flesh fruit. The more aged whites have intense and toasted aromas. It has an intense flavour, with a harmonious mouth volume and an excellent freshness and mousse on the palate.

Reds: They are reddish in colour, sometimes with some intensity, an excellent freshness and mousse on the palate. The aromas are floral and fruity. The more aged whites have intense and toasted aromas. In the mouth they are full-bodied due to the tannins, balanced, with fine and persistent bubbles.

Rosés: They are orange to pink in colour. The aromas are floral and fruity, with aromas of red fruit (such as cherry, blackberry and strawberry), or more aged, with toasted and intense aromas. In the mouth they are delicate, with balanced acidity, an excellent freshness and mousse on the palate.

For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	11
Minimum total acidity
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

4.3. Liqueur wine (white and red)

CONCISE TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION

Whites: They are slightly golden in colour, sometimes with chestnut-coloured tones which is the effect of the ageing in wood. Sometimes they have an aroma of citrus fruit with nutty notes and slight hints of oxidation. The taste is moderately sweet with perceptible alcohol. It is structured, with a firm acidity giving it freshness, which is the dominant overall impression.

Reds: The colour can vary from moderately reddish to a deeper red and may also have yellow, orange and also chestnut-coloured tones from the ageing in wood. The aromas are of dried fruit and very fresh, tart red fruits such as sour cherry, and also of oxidation. There may also be slight honey and/or fig notes. Red liqueur wines have a structured taste with a firm acidity, providing freshness, which dominates overall, although their moderate sweetness is also apparent. The taste sensation may display some viscosity when the wines have been matured in oak casks.

For the other analytical parameters, the values laid down in the legislation apply.

General analytical characteristics
Maximum total alcoholic strength (in % volume)
Minimum actual alcoholic strength (in % volume)	16
Minimum total acidity	in grams per litre expressed as tartaric acid
Maximum volatile acidity (in milliequivalents per litre)
Maximum total sulphur dioxide (in milligrams per litre)

5. Wine making practices

Specific oenological practices

5.1. Quality sparkling wine - method

Specific oenological practice

When making quality sparkling wines entitled to the ‘Bairrada’ PDO, the technology to be used is the classic method of fermentation in bottles, complying with the provisions of the legislation in force.

5.2. Wine, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wine - natural alcoholic strength by volume

Relevant restriction on making the wines

The must used for the production of ‘Bairrada’ PDO wine products is required to have a minimum natural alcoholic strength by volume of :

—	White, red and rosé wine - 11 % vol.;

—	Quality sparkling wine - 9,5 % vol.;

—	Liqueur wine - 12 % vol.

5.3. Quality sparkling wine - ageing

Specific oenological practice

Quality sparkling wine entitled to the ‘Bairrada’ PDO is required to remain on the bottler’s premises for a minimum period of 9 months after the date of its bottling for placement on the market.

5.4. Liqueur wine - production

Relevant restriction on making the wines

The liqueur wine entitled to the ‘Bairrada’ PDO is made from must from grapes suitable for making ‘Bairrada’ PDO products, in the early stage of fermentation, to which wine distillate with an actual alcoholic strength of not less than 52 % and not more than 86 % by volume is added, provided the characteristics laid down in the applicable legislation are respected.

5.5. Wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines - cultivation methods, vine-training and soils

Cultivation methods

The cultivation methods in vineyards intended for the production of wine products entitled to the ‘Bairrada’ PDO must be those which are traditional in the region or recommended by the certification body.

The vines must be semi-freely or cordon-trained, and the planting density must be greater than 3 000 plants/ha.

Vines intended for making wine products entitled to use the ‘Bairrada’ PDO must be planted or be already growing in soils with the following characteristics:

a)	brown or red calcareous soils;

b)	humic or non-humic litholic schists

c)	podzols of unconsolidated sandy materials.

Maximum yields

1.	Wine (whites and rosés) 100 hectolitres per hectare

2.	Wine (red) 80 hectolitres per hectare

3.	Quality sparkling wine 120 hectolitres per hectare

4.	Liqueur wine 100 hectolitres per hectare

6. Demarcated geographical area

The geographical area coincides with the ‘Bairrada’ Designation of Origin comprises:

a)	the municipalities of Anadia, Mealhada and Oliveira do Bairro;

in the municipality of Águeda, the União das freguesias de Recardães e Espinhel, a União das freguesias de Águeda e Borralha, a União das freguesias de Barrô e Aguada de Baixo, in the União das freguesias de Travassô e Óis da Ribeira, only the parish of Óis da Ribeira, in the União das freguesias de Belazaima do Chão, Castanheira do Vouga e Agadão, only the parish of Belazaima do Chão, and the parishes of Aguada de Cima, Fermentelos and Valongo do Vouga;

c)	in the municipality of Aveiro, in União das freguesias de Requeixo, Nossa Senhora de Fátima e Nariz, only the parish of Nariz;

in the municipality of Cantanhede, the União das freguesias de Sepins e Bolhoa, União das freguesias de Vilamar e Corticeiro de Cima, the União das freguesias de Covões e Camarneira, the União das freguesias de Portunhos and Outil, the União das freguesias de Cantanhede e Pocariça, and the parishes of Ançã, Cadima, Cordinhã, Febres, Murtede, Ourentã, Sanguinheira and São Caetano;

e)	in the municipality of Coimbra, the União das freguesias de Souselas e Botão, the União das freguesias de Trouxemil e Torre de Vilela, in the União das freguesias de Antuzede e Vil de Matos, only the parish of Vil de Matos;

f)	in the municipality of Vagos, in the União das freguesias de Fonte de Angeão e Covão do Lobo, only the parish of Covão do Lobo, in the União das freguesias de Ponte de Vagos e Santa Catarina, only the parish of Santa Catarina, and the parishes of Ouca and Sosa.

7. Main wine grapes variety(ies)

Alfrocheiro - Tinta-Bastardinha

Aragonez - Tinta-Roriz; Tempranillo

Arinto - Pedernã

Baga

Bastardo - Graciosa

Bical - Borrado-das-Moscas

Cabernet-Sauvignon

Camarate

Castelão - João-de-Santarém(1); Periquita

Cercial - Cercial-da-Bairrada

Chardonnay

Fernão-Pires - Maria-Gomes

Jaen - Mencía

Merlot

Petit-Verdot

Pinot-Blanc

Pinot-Noir

Rabo-de-Ovelha

Rufete - Tinta-Pinheira

Sauvignon - Sauvignon-Blanc

Sercialinho

Syrah - Shiraz

Tinta -Barroca

Tinto-Cão

Touriga-Franca

Touriga-Nacional

Verdelho

Viognier

8. Description of the link(s)

Wine, quality sparkling wine and liqueur wine

Details of the geographical area relevant to the link

Natural factors: The geographical area is bounded to the north by the river Vouga and to the south by the river Mondego, to the east by the Bussaco and Caramulo mountain ranges, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean.

It is a mostly flat region with gently rolling hills, at altitudes rarely exceeding 250 m above sea level.

The ‘Bairrada’ PDO area is spread over a plain or plateau, always close to the Atlantic, which strongly influences the climate of the region.

The Mediterranean climate has a strong Atlantic influence, with long and cool winters with mild average temperatures but abundant rainfall. The hot summers are tempered by the Atlantic winds. The days are hot and the nights are cool, with a significant temperature range.

The soils are mineral and were formed in different geological eras. The land is generally poor, varying from sandy to clay soils with some sandy loams as well. Vines are mainly grown in clay and clay-limestone soils.

Human factors: Wine-growing in the Bairrada region has played a part of the region’s economic development since the Middle Ages.

The region’s wines were already renowned and their quality acknowledged back in the nineteenth century, when the region’s potential for the production of sparkling wines was recognised. It was in this region in 1890 that commercial sparkling wines were first produced in Portugal.

Specific characteristics of the products associated with the geographical area:

‘Bairrada’ PDO wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines share distinctive characteristics. They are characterised by their aromatic richness and accentuated freshness, marked by a good structure and balanced and striking acidity (a reflection of pronounced fixed acidity).

Link with the geographical area:

The moderate altitudes and strong Atlantic influence are key factors in the high rainfall for which the region is known. These characteristics favour the production of grapes with balanced ripeness, which produce wines with marked acidity and rich in aromatic precursors.

The Atlantic influence, which is noticeable throughout the geographical area, coupled with high rainfall, also contributes to the freshness that can be identified in its wines. This is essentially derived from the natural acidity of the grapes grown under these conditions.

The soils of the geographical area have their origin in sedimentary rocks. Vines are grown on sites with calcareous soils from the Jurassic, sandstones from the Triassic or conglomerates from the Cretaceous periods.

The geographical area thus provides excellent conditions for vine cultivation, particularly as regards the water availability of these soils and their characteristics of permeability and water retention in the most rainy months. This contributes significantly to the characteristics of the wines from the grapes produced here, particularly as regards their pronounced fixed acidity, essential for the wines’ freshness.

The human factor, which preserves practices and traditions and is reflected in the choice of varieties best adapted to the conditions in the geographical area, is of decisive importance in producing grapes that give ‘Bairrada’ PDO wines, quality sparkling wines and liqueur wines their distinctive characteristics.

The practices and technical options (in terms of harvesting, fermentation, maceration and ageing), which are rooted in human factors linked to the tradition of the region, also impact on the general characteristics of the ‘Bairrada’ PDO wine products.

The link between the soil and climatic factors, the region's vine varieties and the traditional know-how gives rise to wines with distinctive characteristics, marked by the minerality, acidity and freshness of the wine products entitled to bear the ‘Bairrada’ PDO.

9. Essential further conditions

Wine, quality sparkling wine and liqueur wine

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

Assessment of labelling prior to placement on the market.

The mark is a mandatory indication on the labelling.

Wine - use of the ‘Clássico’ designation

Legal framework:

In national legislation

Type of further condition:

Additional provisions relating to labelling

Description of the condition:

The use of the ‘Clássico’ designation on the labelling of wines bearing the ‘Bairrada’ PDO must comply with the following conditions:

Of the list of varieties in the region, the following may be used to make wines entitled to bear the term ‘Clássico’:

Arinto (Pedernã)

Bical (Borrado-das-Moscas)

Cercial (Cercial-da-Bairrada)

Fernão-Pires (Maria-Gomes)

Rabo-de-Ovelha

Alfrocheiro (Tinta-Bastardinha)

Baga

Camarate

Castelão

Jaen (Mencia)

Touriga-Nacional

b)	The maximum yield per hectare of vineyards intended for the production of wines entitled to use the term ‘Clássico’ shall be 55 hectolitres per hectare.

The wines entitled to the description ‘Clássico’ must have a minimum actual alcoholic strength by volume of:

White wine - 12 % vol.

Red wine – 12,5 % vol.

The musts intended for the production of wines entitled to the description ‘Clássico’ must have a minimum natural alcoholic strength of:

White wine - 12 % vol.

Red wine – 12,5 % vol.

The minimum ageing periods for wines entitled to use the term ‘Clássico’ are as follows:

Red wine - may be bottled only after a minimum ageing period of 30 months, 12 of which must be in the bottle.

White wine - may be bottled only after a minimum ageing period of 12 months, 6 of which must be in the bottle.

Link to the product specification

https://www.ivv.gov.pt/np4/8617.html

(1) OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671.

		ISSN 1977-091X
Official Journal of the European Union		C 224

English edition	Information and Notices	Volume 66 27 June 2023

Contents		page
	II Information
	INFORMATION FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	European Commission
2023/C 224/01	Communication from the Commission published pursuant to Article 27(4) of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 in Case AT. 40735 – Online rail ticket distribution in Spain	1

	IV Notices
	NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES
	Council
2023/C 224/02	The following information is brought to the attention of ASSADI Assadollah, included on the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and to Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism (see Annexes to Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/422 and Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/420 of 24 February 2023)	4
2023/C 224/03	Notice for the attention of the persons to whom measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/235/CFSP, as implemented by Council Implementing Decision (CFSP) 2023/1299 and in Council Regulation (EU) No 359/2011, as implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1298 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran apply	6
2023/C 224/04	Notice for the attention of the data subjects to whom the restrictive measures provided for in Council Decision 2011/235/CFSP and Council Regulation (EU) No 359/2011 concerning restrictive measures directed against certain persons, entities and bodies in view of the situation in Iran apply	7
	European Commission
2023/C 224/05	Euro exchange rates – 26 June 2023	9
	NOTICES FROM MEMBER STATES
2023/C 224/06	List of Member States and their competent authorities concerning Article 12(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online	10

	Currency	Exchange rate
USD	US dollar	1,0918
JPY	Japanese yen	156,41
DKK	Danish krone	7,4458
GBP	Pound sterling	0,85878
SEK	Swedish krona	11,6825
CHF	Swiss franc	0,9737
ISK	Iceland króna	148,90
NOK	Norwegian krone	11,7080
BGN	Bulgarian lev	1,9558
CZK	Czech koruna	23,649
HUF	Hungarian forint	369,10
PLN	Polish zloty	4,4363
RON	Romanian leu	4,9561
TRY	Turkish lira	28,2813
AUD	Australian dollar	1,6346
CAD	Canadian dollar	1,4354
HKD	Hong Kong dollar	8,5481
NZD	New Zealand dollar	1,7690
SGD	Singapore dollar	1,4765
KRW	South Korean won	1 425,57
ZAR	South African rand	20,3145
CNY	Chinese yuan renminbi	7,8972
IDR	Indonesian rupiah	16 438,22
MYR	Malaysian ringgit	5,1025
PHP	Philippine peso	60,863
RUB	Russian rouble
THB	Thai baht	38,399
BRL	Brazilian real	5,2177
MXN	Mexican peso	18,6863
INR	Indian rupee	89,5565

	V Announcements
	PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETITION POLICY
	European Commission
2023/C 224/07	Prior notification of a concentration (Case M.11151 – BDT / LGP / PROMACH) – Candidate case for simplified procedure ( 1 )	13
	OTHER ACTS
	European Commission
2023/C 224/08	Publication of a communication of approval of a standard amendment to a product specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 17(2) and (3) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/33	15
2023/C 224/09	Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council	26
2023/C 224/10	Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector, as referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council	36
2023/C 224/11	Publication of an application for amendment of a specification for a name in the wine sector referred to in Article 105 of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council	43


	(1) Text with EEA relevance.